Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has called on the public to stay alert regarding the implications of technological progress and enhanced internet connectivity available to Fijians. Her comments followed the recent collaboration between Vodafone Fiji and Starlink, which promises significant improvements in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly benefiting rural and maritime regions.
However, Ms. Tabuya expressed concerns about the potential increase in access to pornographic and adult content, highlighting that Fiji ranks fourth in Google trends for searches related to pornography. She noted that adult content is among the top ten most accessed data traffic categories in the country.
As the co-chair of the anti-pornography taskforce, Ms. Tabuya urged telecommunications providers and other stakeholders to conduct community awareness sessions aimed at promoting responsible internet and social media usage. These initiatives should address the adverse effects of excessive screen time and the risks linked to pornography.
Ms. Tabuya emphasized the necessity for citizens to be well-informed and equipped with the tools to safely navigate the digital world. She voiced her concern about the possible rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence and violence against children while urging for the implementation of safeguards as digital infrastructure improves.
She concluded with a call to collaboratively ensure that the advantages of improved connectivity do not compromise social responsibilities and the well-being of families. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, the power of technology can be harnessed for positive societal impact.
In summary, as Fiji enhances its digital landscape, it’s crucial for stakeholders to focus not only on connectivity but also on the necessary measures to protect vulnerable communities and promote responsible internet use. This approach will not only mitigate potential negative impacts but also empower citizens to leverage technology safely and effectively for the greater good.
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